Exploring Indigenous Art Across Canada

If you plan to visit or move to Canada, it’s important to become familiar with the Indigenous cultures that existed here for millennia, before colonisation. These ancient cultures are incredibly rich with traditions, customs, oral histories, storytelling, mythology, arts and craftsmanship.

Indigenous art from Canada is renowned throughout the world. For Canada’s Indigenous peoples, art is a visual representation of spirituality, mythology and history. Beyond expressing craftsmanship and creativity of the highest level, Indigenous art plays a huge role in cultural expression and storytelling.

One thing all Indigenous art from Canada has in common is that it portrays a deep and necessary connection between the people and the land. This article explores six well-known Indigenous art styles, each from different regions and nations across Canada.

Haida Art (Pacific Northwest Coast)

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Haida art originates from the Haida Gwaii archipelago on BC’s west coast. Haida are widely known for their art forms, being the most well-represented and renowned formline artists in the Pacific Northwest.

The key characteristics of Haida art are bold formline designs, use of ovoid and U-shapes, and depictions of animals, crests and supernatural beings. Haida art is expressed in many mediums. Iconic totem poles, masks and bentwood boxes are carved from cedar and then painted. Artwork is drawn, painted or screen printed. Jewellery features culturally-significant copper, abalone, devil's club beads and other materials found on land and from the ocean. Silver and gold provide the substrate for valuable carved adornments. Intricate argillite carvings are unique in that argillite stone is only found on Haida Gwaii. Nowadays you can find clothing, accessories and household items decorated with unique Haida formline art, incorporating the art into fashion and home decor.

Traditionally, Haida artists used their carvings, totem poles, and masks to tell stories of creation, clan histories, and the natural world. Each design and figure represents elements of Haida mythology and ancestry, making the art not only a visual expression but a form of cultural preservation. Through generations, Haida art has been a means of communicating social status, relationships to the land, and the spiritual beliefs that are central to Haida identity.

Notable Haida artists include:

• Bill Reid

• Charles Edenshaw

• Robert Davidson

• April White

• Reg Davidson

• Jim Hart

Inuit Art (Arctic and Subarctic Regions)

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Inuit art is informed by the harsh, yet beautiful, environment of the Arctic. For centuries, the Inuit people have relied on their intimate knowledge of the land, sea, and wildlife to survive. This respect is evident in their art, which depicts Inuit legends and animals such as polar bears, seals, and whales. These legends and animals are central to Inuit livelihood and spiritual beliefs. Inuit carvings, prints, and sculptures represent the importance of community, spirituality, traditional Inuit life and the resilience it takes to survive in the Arctic.

Inuit creativity is expressed through carvings and sculptures made from bone (commonly whalebone), soapstone, ivory and antler. and fine art prints.

Inuit art often embodies traditional hunting practices, the cycles of nature, and respect for the land and its creatures. Spiritual themes are also prevalent, with depictions of shamans, spirits, and mythological beings. Inuit art reveals the interconnectedness between the physical and spiritual worlds.

Notable Inuit artists include:

• Kenojuak Ashevak

• Pitseolak Ashoona

• Karoo Ashevak

• Jessie Oonark

• Kananginak Pootoogook

• Shuvinai Ashoona

• Pudlo Pudlat

• Annie Pootoogook

• Zacharias Kunuk

• David Ruben Piqtoukun

Woodland School (Anishnaabe)

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In the 1960s, Northern Ontario artist Norval Morisseau brought The Woodland School style to the rest of the world beyond Anishnaabe territories. This style features bold, vivid colours and depictions of animals, humans, and spiritual beings in the form of acrylic paintings. Drawing inspiration from Anishinaabe oral traditions and spiritual teachings, Morrisseau’s work expresses Indigenous stories in a cutting-edge, visual language. His approach to folk art broke barriers, introducing Indigenous expression to contemporary art spaces in Canada and the world.

Woodland art is rooted in the spiritual teachings of the Anishinaabe people, and shows the continual connection between humans, animals, and the natural world. The strong, bright use of colours and symbolic forms reflect the animate nature of all things. These representations are not just decorative but carry deep meanings related to traditional Anishnaabe stories and teachings.

Notable Woodland artists:

• Norval Morrisseau

• Jane Ash Poitras

• Carl Ray

• Diane Peterman

• Robert Houle

• Annie Pootoogook

• Rita Letendre

Métis Beadwork (Prairies)

Métis identity is rooted in the blending of Indigenous and European ancestries, cultures, and traditions. Intricate, colourful Métis beadwork is recognizable and well-known throughout the world.

Métis beadwork features floral motifs that are influenced by both Indigenous techniques and European embroidery styles and designs. The beadwork is used in jewellery, accessories, clothing, regalia and ceremonial items. Glass beads are used, and sewn onto fabric or animal hides.

The beadwork is a symbol of cultural preservation and identity. It is a visual language through which the Métis express their heritage, pride, and resilience, especially during periods of colonial oppression. This art form honours Métis history and connects the culture across generations.

Notable Metis beadwork artists:

• Christi Belcourt

• Lindsay K. McDonald

• Kathy D. Moffatt

• Marlene Letendre

• Kerry McCluskey

• Megan McLain

• Catherine Blackburn

Kwakwaka’wakw Art (Pacific Northwest Coast)

Kwakwaka’wakw art from Northern Vancouver Island is deeply intertwined with the cultural and spiritual practices of the Kwakwaka’wakw people, particularly through potlatch ceremonies. These ceremonies celebrate important community events such as marriages, births, and memorials. Masks, totem poles, and regalia tell stories of the ancestors and embody the clan's identity. The art is visual expression of cultural values and history and plays a ceremonial role, transforming the potlatch space and its participants during gatherings.

Kwakwaka’wakw art depicts stylized representations of animals and humans, which are more often than not linked to mythology. The art is seen on ceremonial masks, totem poles and regalia, and is usually made from wood, cedar bark and paint.

Notable Kwakwaka’wakw artists include:

• Dempsey Bob
• Marlene K. Johnson
• Rebecca Belmore
• Rande Cook
• Lyle Wilson
• Herb McCarthy

Mi’kmaq Quillwork (Atlantic Canada)

Mi'kmaq quillwork has been around for centuries and displays the intricate craftsmanship and cultural heritage of the Mi'kmaq people. Using porcupine quills dyed in bright colours, artisans create detailed geometric patterns on birchbark, traditionally used to adorn clothing, baskets, and ceremonial objects.

This meticulous art form has been passed down through generations, preserving Mi'kmaq traditions and symbolising cultural identity and resilience.

Quillwork reminds us of the Mi'kmaq connection to the land and the deep respect for nature that defines their identity. Each beautiful piece of quillwork tells a story of heritage, community, and artistic expression.

Notable Mi'kmaq quillwork artists include:

• Ellen Smith
• Maud Lewis
• Glen C. Paul
• Patricia P. Paul
• Joe Earle
• Lillian Marshall
• Tanya O'Connell

The Importance of Supporting Indigenous Art

Indigenous artists both preserve and evolve traditional art forms, and through their work, these cultural practices remain relevant in contemporary society. By infusing traditional techniques with modern interpretations, the artists challenge stereotypes while also preserving their heritage.

Art connects cultures and removes barriers. Supporting Indigenous artists is imperative for keeping ancient traditions alive and fortifying communities. By purchasing Indigenous artwork, attending exhibitions, and advocating for representation, we as Canadians can contribute to the continued success of Indigenous artists and their communities.

Read more about where to buy Indigenous art in Canada:

The Best Places to Buy Art in Vancouver

The Best Places to Buy Art in Toronto

The Best Places to Buy Art in Montreal

The Best Places to Buy Art in Winnipeg